Reviews

This is a tough one to rate. I think I feel like this should be about a 3.5 rating. It’s a great story about seeing a young boy continue on after losing his mother to breast cancer, but it’s not as much of a page turner as the rest of Reynolds’ books are. The level of detail is ever-present, and I always enjoy how Reynolds sees and describes the world. There are a few surprising things in this novel which makes you keep reading as you begin to feel like it’s dragging out. The young love brewing between characters Love and Matt is refreshing to read about. Reynolds ends this book in a feel-good way that leaves you thinking and drawing your own conclusions, as per usual.

browncharlotte18's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

aksnowraven's review against another edition

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5.0

What a masterful view of grief and loss. I never expected to appreciate this subject or for the book to touch me as deeply as it did. I feel the need to build some space around it to let it all sink in, but also feel compelled to keep reading even more of Mr. Reynold’s work to see where it takes me.

sandraagee's review against another edition

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4.0

I read something where someone compared Jason Reynolds to [a:Walter Dean Myers|13291|Walter Dean Myers|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1230178601p2/13291.jpg]. If this book is any indication, it's an incredibly apt comparison. Reynolds writes compelling characters and crafts a portrait of the grieving process that can be appreciated by just about anyone, but the way he paints his setting (seems to be a predominantly black urban neighborhood) is especially fantastic.

jocelyn_fowler's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

compass_rose's review against another edition

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5.0

Thoroughly enjoyed this. So many lovable characters. An easy read with lots to chew on. Sad. but in a way that is healing, if that makes sense.

Read again Sept 2021 with my 13yo. She loved it! Now among her favorite books. We did it for a tween book club and it was a hit. Great discussions.

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